A refreshing approach to an established institution.
We are problem solvers, always enjoy a challenge and we never miss a trick.
As one of the largest pensions law teams in Scotland, we have a UK wide reputation for taking a refreshing approach to a complex subject.
The technical stuff comes easy to us and so does making sense of it for our clients.
Our approach is to collaborate as part of your team, recognising that every client and pension scheme is different and we like that. Our breadth of practice and experience allows us to consider pension law issues from different perspectives. Nothing old school about us, we'll give commercial strategic guidance and a clear view of your options.
Our clients include trustee boards, pensions professionals, sponsoring employers, family businesses, public limited companies, owner-managed businesses, law-firms, multi-national corporations, local authorities, not for profit / charitable organisations, pension providers, and individuals.
The pensions team at Burness Paull provides an incredible service, which combines top-class intellect with a down-to-earth and client-focused approach. They are also very empathetic in their approach, which means the client feels heard and understood.
Legal 500, 2024
Key Contacts
Margaret Meehan
Partner
Pensions
Margaret is head of our Pensions team, with a range of clients including employers, pension scheme trustees, contractors and local authorities.
Sarah Phillips
Partner
Pensions
Sarah heads our Corporate department and has extensive experience in Pensions and is ranked as a leading practitioner by Chambers.
Liam Young
Partner
Pensions
Liam has extensive experience advising employers, trustees and providers on every aspect of UK pensions law.
Burness Paull's pension lawyers can advise on:
-
project-specific legal advice to employers, trustees, insurance providers, local authorities and not for profit / charitable organisations
-
document reviews and drafting
-
bespoke training
-
independent trustee services through our trustee company, Burness Paull Pension Trustees Limited
-
Trustee secretarial and governance
-
ongoing pensions legal advice to employers, insurance providers, local authorities and not for profit / charitable organisations
-
liability management projects
-
corporate transactions
-
benefit restructuring
-
defending claims to the Pensions Ombudsman
-
pensions law support for other law firms
And we work closely with other experts in our firm:
- advising overseas and UK companies on the pensions aspects of M&A, private equity investments and refinancing
- advising pension scheme trustees on funding structures, investments and additional employer support for their pension schemes
- supporting pension scheme trustees and UK companies in distressed situations, solvent and insolvent restructuring
- advising UK companies and trustees on payment of death benefits under life assurance schemes
- advising on the pensions aspects of employment relationships (contracts, settlement agreement, retirement)
Burness Paull pensions lawyers are dual-qualified in Scots and English Law and are actively involved in pensions industry professional bodies:
- Association of Pensions Lawyers (APL)
- International Pension and Employee Benefits Lawyers Association (IPEBLA)
- Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA)
- Pension Management Institute
- Law Society of Scotland Pensions Committee
They are timely and practical. We can confidently lean on their expertise.
Chambers UK, 2025
The pensions team joins up well with other practices which reflects well on the firm as a whole
- Chambers UK
If you would like to refresh your approach to managing your pension requirements, contact one of our pensions lawyers.
Related Services
Governance & Trustee Secretarial Services
Expert advice for pension scheme trustee boards.
Independent Trustee Services
Ensuring compliance and the smooth running of your pension scheme.
Related News, Insights & Events
Autumn budget – What impact will the changes to inheritance tax have on pension scheme members?
How will the recent autumn budget impact pension scheme members?
Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pension schemes - the best of both worlds?
WillCDC schemes become a viable ‘third way’ of saving for retirement for employers and members?
Scrutinising sustainability: Meeting the regulator’s ESG expectations
The Pensions Regulator’s recent report sheds light on trustees’ efforts to meet their ESG duties.
